What is a circular saw and how to choose one?

It is impossible to organize a woodworking workshop if you do not understand what a circular saw is and how to choose it. Circular saws are divided into models for wood with a miter carriage, cut-off machines for ripping and other types. It is necessary to understand both the cutting tool of machine tools and their purpose.

The name "circular saws" may seem somewhat new and unusual. But in reality this is not so, and under it is a circular saw that is already well known to many. Such equipment has been known for many decades. It is mainly used when you need to saw the material longitudinally and transversely. Sawing at angles is also allowed.

Cutting tool - circular saw; it works well both on wood and on other materials of about the same hardness. The number of discs may vary. The circular saw is placed on a fixed bed.

Unlike hand saws, circular saws must be equipped with a belt drive. Exceptions are rare because the technical belt provides increased flexibility and is weird to give up. The main component of the structure is the bed. In different models, it is monolithic or assembled from blocks. Attach on the beds:

• motor;
• functional shaft with special knives;
• saw disc;
• carriage;
• other components.

The circular saw is almost always driven by an electric motor. However, in areas where power supply is not possible, models with gasoline or diesel drives have to be used. Some models are equipped with extended shafts, on which the planing knives are placed. In this case, the working plate is very long, especially if the jointer is imitated. The processing quality will be quite high.

The main purpose of circular saws is sawing boards, plywood sheets and chipboard. Proceeding from these works, as well as from facing and cutting edges, from cutting boards, the main features of the equipment are determined. Multi-saw machines (with more than 1 saw) are especially productive. They are capable of processing a large number of products in 1 run. Even large woodworking enterprises are willingly purchasing such equipment.

Among the types of circular saws, edging machines deserve attention. During their operation, the mechanical feed ensures the execution of operations in automatic mode within 90% of the time. This equipment is suitable for both preliminary and final cutting of materials. Particle and fiber boards are best cut with tungsten carbide saws or those that have a fine tooth. The smaller the section, the better - this allows you to reduce power losses and make narrower cuts.

Also noteworthy are machines with a crosscut carriage. They are great when you need to cut the ends at precise angles. These models use 1 or 2 saws. Mainly, manual feed of workpieces is provided. Depending on the design, either the part is fed towards the saw, or the rotating disc is moved towards the workpiece.

The quality of the machine used must correspond to the accuracy of the work performed. For a home workshop, it makes no sense to choose multi-saw designs.But in a large-scale production for them is the place.

Such solutions make large-scale production more profitable. Even deeply frozen wood can be recycled. The cut-off circular saw has a special name - "Geller saw". It is designed to work with ferrous metals with a ultimate tensile strength of up to 1200 Newtons per square meter. mm. Processing of other metals corresponding to the characteristics of the machine is also allowed.

Cutting devices are distinguished by a high level of mechanization. They are capable of storing and individually delivering blanks. An automatic dispensing table is also provided. A special ejection block helps to remove objects from the cutting zone. The drive is most often driven by hydraulic effects.

Angle sawing machines appeared in the late 1990s, and foreign firms were the first to produce such equipment. However, other manufacturers gradually mastered it. Now only in the Russian Federation at least 50 enterprises are known that produce machines of this group. Some versions are supplied with a scoring disc. This solution is suitable when working with small section products.

A large number of modifications of circular saws have been created, primarily for woodworking industries. Both in the household and in the professional sector, universal devices are in demand. The C6-2 model related to them can be used to work with:

• bars;
• board;
• plates;
• strong thick sheets.

The Ts6-2 system is suitable for both longitudinal and cross cuts. It is also suitable for cutting at angles of 45-90 degrees. A cast iron work table lasts a long time. The special guide fence is also robust, and there is also a protection against reverse dumping of the workpiece. The cross-cut carriage with increased travel and rigidity of the bed, as well as the use of a sub-engine plate, can be considered serious advantages.

Technical parameters and other nuances:

• processing of products up to 40 cm wide is possible;
• in the process of longitudinal cutting, it is possible to work with materials with a layer of up to 10 cm;
• the saw is fully braked in a maximum of 6 seconds;
• current consumption is 4 kW;
• total weight of the model - 650 kg;
• cutting element rotation speed - up to 2860 rpm;
• carriage travel - up to 111 cm.

It is worth taking a closer look at the Italian Minimax SC 2C machine. Its power in the same way reaches 4 kW. With a mass of 339 kg, the device provides a cut of 166 cm (lengthwise). Reliable protective equipment and an emergency button are provided. The carriage is made of anodized aluminum.

For the movement of this carriage, especially precise guides made of hardened and ground metal are provided. The telescopic ruler has 1 stop. An eccentric clamp and a machine support were also provided. The cast iron caliper for fixing the ruler has a very high rigidity.

The scoring saw in this machine has a section of 8 cm. At the same time, its landing section is 2 cm. The twisting speed is 7700 turns per minute. Sawing up to 166 cm (lengthwise) possible. The linear dimensions of the machine (in the transport position) - 170x84x120 cm.

Modern large factories in China also make very decent machinery. This is exactly WoodTec C 185 Lite machine, which again has a power of 4 kW. The device is designed for sawing at a height of 18.5 cm. Its weight is 185 kg. Other features:

• longitudinal sawing applications;
• the possibility of obtaining bars, furniture boards;
• equipment with a cast iron table with a size of 114x67 cm;
• the delivery set includes a stop for longitudinal cutting.

Table saws are installed on tables or work benches by default.But if required, they can also be installed directly on the floor. Most often, the mass does not exceed 25 kg, and the cut is made to a depth of no more than 7.5 cm.

All professional models are stationary. They can cut wood up to 12.5 cm. It should be borne in mind that the actual cutting depth is 0.6-0.9 cm less than the section of the disc, otherwise the system will wear out. You also need to pay attention to:

• machine power;
• its mains voltage;
• disk rotation rate;
• strength and stability of the bed;
• additional equipment.

Practical methods of work are prescribed in technical data sheets. But the safety technique is universal. It includes:

• installation of protective covers;
• using riving knives;
• the use of inserts-separators and devices for cross-cutting;
• checking the reliability of stops before starting;
• uniform feed of workpieces;
• when cutting narrow boards - feed only with wooden pushers;
• maintaining cleanliness and order in the workplace.